Observation type
Avalanche

Observer
Nicholas Moede

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
Wanat Peak, Yucaipa Ridge

Latitude
34.07305

Longitude
-116.88027

Date (yyyymmdd)
20220330

Time
1240pm

Road conditions to area
Clear

Temperature
56

Sky
clear (no clouds)

Wind speed
Calm (smoke rises vertically)

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees
0

Slope angle
35

Elevation
7200

Snow depth
50cm

Boot/ Ski penetration
20cm

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description
Wet slab avalanche, many small wet loose avalanches, pinwheels

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Wet slab avalanche observed on north aspect at lower elevation. Crown was only 6cm but bed surface measured approximately 200 feet long and 30 feet wide resulting in a significant amount of snow in the debris field. Debris field measured 150cm at its deepest point. Snowpack in this area consists of 5-6cm of wet heavy snow on top of a very firm crust. Top layer was very susceptible to movement on slopes exceeding 30 degrees and was able to trigger multiple small fast moving slabs on slopes exceeding 35 degrees that ran out down the entire slope. Slabs observed could easily knock a person down and on large exposed slopes there is the potential for burial. Additionally pinwheels and small wet loose avalanches observed in areas of solar warming. Rockfall presents an additional hazard. Observed and heard lots of rockfall activity due to warming including boulders exceeding the size of a basketball. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Wet Slab Avalanche on Yucaipa Ridge